URGENT UPDATE: Brian Ortega’s highly anticipated move to lightweight has been postponed once again due to injuries. Ortega (16-5) has officially withdrawn from his scheduled bout against Renato Moicano (20-7-1) at UFC 326, set to take place on March 7, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, the former featherweight title challenger revealed, “I’m OK, health is good, no surgeries or nothing crazy like that.” However, he emphasized the necessity of taking time off to recover from nagging injuries, stating, “I do need to take a little bit of some time off to nurse these injuries that I have right now.”
The news is a significant blow for Ortega, who has been aiming to transition to lightweight for over a year. Unexpected circumstances, including previous opportunities at featherweight and ongoing health issues, have delayed this move. Ortega first contemplated the shift in early 2024 but was sidelined from a fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 303 due to complications during his weight cut.
Despite facing challenges, Ortega continues to remain optimistic. He shared, “It just sucks, where it’s not crazy like that where I need to have surgery, but I have to rest it and let it heal and chill, and get some physical therapy.”
Ortega’s previous attempts to fight at featherweight have also been tumultuous. He was hospitalized during his weight cut ahead of a planned matchup with Aljamain Sterling in August, which he ultimately proceeded with despite the health scares. This persistent struggle has made his long-awaited move to lightweight even more crucial for his career.
As of now, the UFC has not announced a replacement for Moicano, leaving fans eager to see how this situation unfolds. With UFC 326 approaching, all eyes are on Ortega’s recovery and potential future matchups in the lightweight division.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story continues to unfold. Fans and fighters alike are hopeful for Ortega’s swift return to the octagon, as he aims to heal and finally make his mark in the lightweight category.
